Showing posts with label Eagle Nest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eagle Nest. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

State Parks of the Moreno Valley

Although mspring brings mucho muddo to most mountian areas, the drying suns of summer will soon be with us.  If you like venturing off road, may we suggest you wait a month or so.  April is the time to see and do the more easily accessed places.

Did you know New mexico is home to the ONLY state park in the country honoring Viet Nam Veterans?  Viet Nam Veterans Memorial State Park's visitor center remodel is fast approaching completion.  The David Westfall Veterans Foundation Gift Shop should be open aboutr May 1, 2010.  With the state's budget crunch, donation to the Memorial will go far towards enhancing the new visitor Guest experience.  Looks like they'll be open mid May 2010 for the run for the wall.  A full openning looks likely for the Memorial Day Weekend festivities.

They already have 3 planned activities over the next few months.  First, the Run for the wall on May 21, 2010.  Second, Memorial Day Weekend events.  Next, on June 12, 2010, the Star Party.  Memorial Day Weekend is always a huge event for the Enchanted Circle with the Red River Run motorcycle rally.  Thsoe activities fill Northern NM.  Make your reservation soon!  More ifnormation at http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/VietnamVets.htm

Eagle Nest Lake State Park had a bountiful winter.  Ice fishing was epic and is now closed due to softening and thinnning ice.  More information at their web site: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/EaglesNest.htm

Why Taos?  How long for the area?  Those two questions are easy.  Because there is a ton to see and do in and around the Taos area is why Taos.  For as many days as you'll exchange in return for seeing, learning, exploring, and enjoying those many sights is the legnth of your visit.  One or two days does NOT get 'r done.  It's pretty easy to make good use of 5 or 6 days wandering from Raton to Chama from Southern Colorado to Santa Fe.  You can do all that from your home away from home in Taos.

Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza is that home away from home.  From our convenient downtown Taos location you can easily access all the in town places and activities.  With our exceptional "tour guide" like front desk service, you'll find things to see and do that will keep you smiling for some time after your return home.  You'll have energy to spare with our peaceful relaxing grounds and rooms.  Our rates are so reasonable that you'll be able to stay a few extra days in spite of the current economic times.

For example, thru the end of April, we can do a value single for 3 nights for $99.  Upgrade to a family room for $124.  Top it off with a deluxe single king for $149.  Most of our Guests brag to their family and friends about the stay at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza.  Join us soon!

http://www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Direct bookings save you $$$

Friday, February 19, 2010

Enchanted Circle Gateway Museum, Eagle Nest

The Enchanted Circle has another museum of note that offers visitors another view of the history and culture of the North Central Sange de Christo Mountains. This one highlights the area's mining and rail road history and showcases some interesting "green" building technology. They are in the midst of constructing a new facility while simultaneously fundraising.

The museum tells the story of mining in the Moreno valley which has a rich history back to the late 1800's. They also direct visitors to gold panning excursions out of Red River on a seasonal basis. The excursions are part of the museum's fund raising program.

Here's a link to their website: http://www.gatewaymuseum.org/uploads/GatewayMuseumBrochure.pdf . From there, they have a link to their brochure. Call for their schedule and more information: 575-377-1504. Their email is info@gatewaymuseum.org.

The Enchanted Circle is a great day trip out of Taos. We've posted a number of blogposts about the Circle and related sights. This is just another example of interesting things to see and do while you are in Taos. It's another reason why you need to plan more than just a day or two in Taos. Give me a week and we'll keep you well entertained.

Make your home in downtown Taos at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza. You'll be centrally located in the heart of Taos. You'll sleep like a baby in our memory foam mattress topped queen and king size beds. You'll enjoy a simple continental breakfast while you wander the net with our WIFI system. Our front desk team is amongst the best "tour guides" in the Taos area. Let them know what you like and they'll direct you to the routes, places, and activities.

Visit our web site for more information: www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn. Then call direct for best rates: 800-444-2346. Ski you in Taos!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Angel Fire Ice Fishing Tourney

Eagle Nest Lake openned for ice fishing December 29, 2009. All terrain vehicles and snowmobiles will be allowed on the ice, not on shorelines, and NO full-size vehicles. All on ice vehicles must be brought to state park on trailers, off loaded on the boat ramp, and driven directly onto the ice. Ice fishing access to the lake thru the state park is $5 per day per vehicle or free thru access points outside the state park boundaries.

Fishing should be good since the fish have been relatively undisturbed since the lake froze over early December. The state asks fishers to be aware of the elements. Dress warmly, prepare for wide temp variations, wear sunscreen. Remember, ice may break, wear flotation devices!!!

The 2010 Ice Fishing Tourney is Saturday, January 16, 2010. All licensing and other details are avaialbe at the Eagel Nest Lake State Park, 575-377-1594 or www.nmparks.com.

Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza invites you to make your headquarters for all your Northern NM safaris right here in downtown Taos with us. Convenient downtown location (perfect for the other half who doesn't ice fish or ski), exceptional service (we're your Taos area tour guide), quality over night accommodations (single king bed deluse rooms have gas log fireplaces), and always affordable value rates (we're almost always more affordable than the other downtown properties). Book direct today! 800-444-2346. www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Taos Area Tourist Attractions

The State Parks of Moreno Valley just sent a newsletter out that might be of interest to some of our readers.

Elk migrate to lower elevations for winter. They are often sighted around the South side of Eagle Nest Lake, around Ute Park, and other Enchanted Circle areas. Large herds are often seen above Tolby Campground and can be easily seen from the highway. That is part of Cimarron Canyon State park, along US 64, just East of Eagle Nest, along the Cimarron River. For those staying in Taos, a drive to Cimarron is well worth the day needed for a good overall viewing. For those arriving from the East or departing that direction, plan some extra time to enjoy the many sights along that path! Here's their web site: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/CimarronCanyon.htm.

Eagle Nest State Park is undergoing continued improvements. The new visitor center is being well enjoyed by visitors, the parking lots are much improved over prior years, and the highest elevation Polar Bear plunge is scheduled for, you guessed it, January 1, 2010. This second annual affair includes registration at 10 AM at the visitor center, the plunge at 11 AM at the North boat ramp, an after the splach bash at Laguna Vista Saloon, and a Snowman building conteststarting at 3:30 PM in and around town. BTW, I will not be participating! More information at: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/prd/EaglesNest.htm.

They also want to remind folks that sun screen is an absolute MUST around the Enchanted Circle. The sun's intensity increases by up to 60% at 10,000 feet over sea level. That means you should either bring or buy a high SPF sun screen and remember sun glasses too.

The Viet Nam Veterans Memorial is also undergoing vast improvements. Part of the work involves expanding the gift shop to almost double the old space. A new theater is also being added. If you're haven't been, you must plan time for a visit to this historic facility. I've personally sent many Guests over the years and have yet to hear a single complaint or negative comment about me insisting they visit the memorial. Visit their web site: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/VietnamVets.htm.

Frankly, you can make exploration of the Enchanted Circle more than a day trip from Taos. Specially if you add the Philmont Scout Ranch which I've posted earlier. In any event, we hope you make Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza your headquarters for these and other Northern NM adventures. Email us any questions.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Enchanted Circle & Eagle Nest Lake Visitor Center

I've probably talked about the Enchanted Circle before but it is one of the reasons people visit Taos. If the 100 mile route isn't in your plans, stay a day longer and take the drive! Taos North towards Questa, maybe a stop at Millicent Rogers museum, maybe a visit to the Rio Grande Bridge, add a side trip to Wild & Scenic Rivers.

Then off the Red River. There's always things to see and do in Red River. From Questa, drive East and you can't miss Red River. Coming up, October 2-4, 2009, is the Days of 1895, a celebration of Red Rivers gold mining history. Their 5th Annual Octoberfest is October 9-11, 2009. Get more details at http://www.redrivernewmexico.com/ or phone the Chamber at 575-754-2366.

Continue your driver to Eagle Nest. On the way, a stop at Elizabethtown might be in order. It a historical town but now a ghost town. Newest feature of Eagles Nest is the State Park Visitors Center. One of the first visitor centers anywhere to be zero net energy, it generates as much power as it uses through solar photovoltaic panels and a vertical wind turbine. Plus it's very well built with extra insulation, natural lighting design, and passive solar. The building features interpretive exhibits, a classroom, administrative offices, and a pavillion looking out at Wheel Peak (New Mexico's highest, 13,166).

The Viet Nam Veterans Memorial is at Angel Fire and an absolute MUST see on your trip around the Enchanted Circle. Dry eyes are usually not found at this historical, honoring, and educational center.

Angel Fire Resort just finished a $20 million golf club plus numerous other village improvements. Summer and winter, you'lll find much to see and do.

Thinking of doing Taos in a day? Honestly can't be done. Do your self a favor and book a few nights at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza. We're your "tour guides" for North Central NM. The above ideas are just a few thoughts to expand your Taos Experience. Visit us at www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn or call 800-444-2346 for more ideas.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Fishing Around in Taos

I'm copying posts from our former blog to enhance the data and information here. Thanks for reading. Tell your friends about the blog and the Inn!

There is pretty good fishing within 15 minutes of Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza. There are several fishing guides and shops within a few blocks of the hotel. They are the best place to gain ideas of what fish are where and how to acquire them. The Taos News usually has a fishing report in the paper for more ideas of what and where.

The Rio Grande box above the confluence of the Red and Rio Grande offers especially good fall trout. Part of the quality waters of the Wild and Scenic River area, the hike down and the wander along the Rio Grande is also worth doing just by itself. From there to Pilar on NM 68 offers relatively easy fishing varying with flows and weather. The Red River near the hatchery is another choice. A visit to the hatchery might be an added benefit.

The Cimarron River just East of Eagle Nest is only about 40 miles from Taos and offers majestic scenery. You can include a visit to Philmont Scout Ranch on that wander plus the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial.

Eagle Nest Lake offers lake fishing. From a boat is usually better than bank efforts.

Abiquiu lake is about 100 miles from Taos. Leave the wife at Ojo Caliente for a day of spa relaxation whilst you hit the waters. Chama River flows into Abiquiu.

Sipapu Resort straddles a small river and that entire river offers fishing activities. Sipapu has a fishing contests occaisionally.

Here’s a link to another site that provides a few more details: http://www.anglerguide.com/newmexico/fishingtaos.html . There are other sites the have more data than is appropriate here.

We are centrally located in downtown Taos. A great convenient spot to hang your hat for the evenings, close to foods, entertainment, shops, more. Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza is the name, affordable accomodations is the game! www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn or 800-444-2346. Happy hippy days!